Honorary Life Membership for Tony Wharton

Honorary Life Membership for Tony Wharton

At the AGM in December Lymington stalwart Tony Wharton received an honorary life membership. Club President Jerry Holt presented Tony with the accolade and paid tribute to the man affectionately known as ‘Wobbly’:

“I used to play Southampton Evening League cricket against Tony and he had told me he was not particularly happy at his then club Trojans. He was obviously not only still a very good club cricketer but also would offer a lot to Lymington in many other areas. So I persuaded him to join Lymington in 1986 and even though he was not in the first flush of youth Tony was still good enough to open the batting for the 1st XI on a number of occasions. His batting style being more Boycott than Buttler but we also know him for his unerringly accurate slow, medium swing bowling which was used regularly in the 2nds and later the 3rds and 4ths and leading to one of his many nicknames, Wobbly.”

Tony is one of the few members that I know of to have turned out for all 4 Saturday XIs in his 30 years with the Club along with playing Sunday friendlies and midweek games. And yes Chris he is available next season if selected! Have bat will travel might be an appropriate motto for him.”

Tony has though contributed so much more to the club over his time here. He has served as Chairman for 3 years, he has had 2 terms as Treasurer once in 1994 before leaving to work abroad and again since 2011. He has been Fixture Secretary and for the last 5 years he has been 1st XI manager. He has been a Vice President of the Club for more than 10 years and a member of the General Committee for 15 years.”

Tony also has been very involved with the Colts section for many years, at one stage running it, and always available to help with coaching, umpiring and scoring. He is a qualified ECB Club Coach, umpire and scorer so totally immersed in cricket. Tony will also help at any time whether it be with the bar or any other facet of running the Club. In short he is a very important cog in our wheel.”

Clubs need volunteers like Tony who contribute many hours of work (unpaid) and would not survive without his ilk. Outside of his cricket commitments at Lymington Tony is currently Vice Chair of New Forest Junior Cricket and has in the past been treasurer of the Southern League and chairman of the Fleming Park indoor league. And in the last couple of years Tony has rightly been proud of representing England over 70s against Australia. If anyone wants to know more about his exploits I am sure he will be happy to tell you afterwards.”

Seriously though Tony I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this honour so would you please accept this certificate from the Club.”